Sheriff's office: Berlin woman mixed cleaners, died

Apr. 21, 2014

Written by

Staff Writer

BERLIN — Police said they believe a Berlin woman died after inhaling toxic fumes generated by mixing bleach with a household cleaner.

Anna Harbeson, 75, had been cleaning her bathroom April 20 when she came to her adult son, complaining of trouble breathing, according to Lt. Neil Adams with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. The son told police that his mother got a “blank look” on her face, and then passed out.

The son called 911, and at 3:30 p.m. sheriff’s deputies came to their home at the Lake Haven Trailer Park, located on the 11000 block of Grays Corner Road. The woman was transported to Atlantic General Hospital, where she died.

Police said an investigation revealed Harbeson had mixed bleach and “The Works” brand toilet bowl cleaner, both of which were found in the bathroom. Police said both cleaning agents came with instructions never to mix the agents with one another because, according to poison control officials, the combination of ammonia and bleach can create toxic chlorine gas.

The incident is still under investigation. Police said Harbeson’s body was taken to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

Officials are reminding people to strictly follow any instructions on the back of household cleaning packaging that warn of mixing cleaners.